Hort16A showing symptoms as spring approaches

As we move closer to spring, KVH is beginning to receive reports of Hort16A showing signs of exudate.

This week, monitoring on an isolated Hort16A block in the Katikati region showed 60 percent of the vines had fresh red exudate; and 24 percent of these vines had more than three points of exudate.

Similarly, a significant increase in symptoms were seen on an Opotiki Hort16A orchard being cut over to Gold3.

To date, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne have not reported any new symptoms on Hort16A. Regions where sap flow is a little later, i.e. Kerikeri, are reporting minimal symptoms on Hort16A and other susceptible varieties.

KVH has also received reports of increasing symptoms in Hayward vines in the Katikati/Waihi and Wanganui region. Most of these are in male vines, including Chieftan and Matua males.

Growers with more susceptible varieties like Hort16A are advised to closely monitor their vines on a regular basis to ensure symptoms are found early and action can be taken quickly.